Councillor Darryl Skinner will be stepping down from council effective July 19, 2017.

Skinner filled the seat previously left vacant by Ken Moss in October of 2015.

“Regrettably I need to step down for family reasons,” said Skinner. “Hard decision but I know that the city is in good hands with the current council and definitely heading in the right direction.”

Council will look at the method to replace Skinner at next week’s council meeting, the city has until September 17, 2017 to appoint a person to fill the vacancy or to pass a by-law requiring a by-election to be held to fill the vacancy.

“I appreciate the opportunity that the people of Dryden have given me and I know that Dryden will only continue to head in the right direction in the future,” said Skinner.

As was done with Moss before him council has a few options in regards to appointment. The seat could go to the next highest vote-getter from the previous election in 2014, they can appoint a candidate from another office from the previous election, they can appoint any eligible or qualified member of the public, council can choose to advertise for applicants, they may solicit interest from former councillors or they may use another method at their discretion.

Mayor Greg Wilson said Skinner’s service is much appreciated and he saw his whole journey first hand from debate, to defeat and finally to being brought on. Wilson will miss a councillor that was collaborative, thoughtful and wasn’t afraid to go against the tide.

“It’s tough because we’re over the halfway mark so having to bring somebody else in it’s a little bit tough,” said Wilson. “On the other hand if we can choose a method that is suitable for all of council to move forward on and we can move expeditiously it’ll be ok. I think the key is getting the right person, ideally someone with experience.”

Council will discuss the method of Skinner’s replacement on June 19 at the regular meeting of council.